This one is a must-visit location when you consider doing a safari in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is about 3 hours’ drive from Kigali and it sits on an area of approximately 160 squares kms having been established in 1925. The Park hosts 5 of 8 Volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif and it consists of a rainforest too.
This Park prides itself as home to Unique wildlife species and most importantly, the place for seeing Mountain Gorillas, golden Monkeys, black-fronted Duikers, Bushbucks, spotted Hyenas, Buffalos, forest Elephants, black and white Colobus Monkeys and Bush Pigs. Additionally, there are over 200 species of birds that have been recorded in this park and they include the red-faced woodland Warbler, Rwenzori collard Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Francolins, collard Apalis, Paradise Fly-catcher, Dusky Crimson Wing bird, Rwenzori Turaco, archer’s ground Robin, long crested Eagle and the grey throated Tit.
Note that this park is also known as Parc National Des Volcans in French and it in this park that Dian Fossey who is one of the legend scientists and Primatologists did research on Gorillas before meeting her cruel death through murder in 1985.
Amongst a list of activities that you may indulge into during visit are:-
- Gorilla Trekking
- Golden Monkey Tracking
- Birding
- A visit to Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
- Visiting the twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
- Visiting the Iby’Wacu Cultural Village for unique dances, Music performances as well as the exploration of distinct traditions and lifestyles of the Rwandese people.
- Visiting the Musanze Caves which date back to 65 million years.
